Toyota has officially introduced the 2027 Highlander, a complete redesign of its midsize SUV that represents the brand’s first electric three-row vehicle for the US market. It’s also notable for being the first Toyota EV manufactured in America. While the Highlander name has been around for over 20 years with gas versions, this new model brings an innovative powertrain to one of today’s hottest vehicle segments—making this a prime opportunity for Toyota to compete with its electric vehicle rivals.
This announcement arrives during a challenging period for the world’s best-selling car manufacturer. Toyota’s focus on hybrid technology instead of fully electric options seems to have been justified as global EV sales are slowing down, and competitors are facing significant financial losses due to hefty investments in EV technology. The company is also in a transitional phase with a new CEO, Kenta Kon, who previously served as finance chief and is a close associate of current chairman Akio Toyoda. Kon’s leadership is seen as confirmation that Toyota has effectively navigated turbulence from Chinese EVs, global tariffs, and the costly switch to electric vehicles.
The Highlander reflects some of these considerations. It will be produced at Toyota’s Kentucky facility, strategically sidestepping tariffs introduced during Donald Trump’s administration. As a three-row midsize SUV, it’s tapping into the most popular vehicle segment in the country, while utilizing a well-known nameplate that resonates more with consumers who’ve been less familiar with terms like “bZ” (which stands for “beyond zero”).
The new Highlander will be offered in two trims: XLE and Limited. The XLE comes with a choice of front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, while the Limited is equipped with all-wheel drive as standard. Buyers can select between a 77kWh battery and a larger 95.8kWh battery, with the all-wheel drive variants estimated to have a range of up to 320 miles along with 338 horsepower and 323 lb-ft of torque. In contrast, the front-wheel drive trims will deliver 221 hp and 198 lb-ft of torque.
Interior-wise, the Highlander features a modern infotainment system similar to that found in Toyota’s new C-HR and bZ Woodland electric SUVs. This includes a large 14-inch central touchscreen, a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, customizable ambient lighting, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and ample charging options for devices throughout all three rows. Up top, there’s a fixed panoramic glass roof, which is the largest ever offered by Toyota.
The Highlander’s updated infotainment system comes with AT&T 5G connectivity, providing a customizable homescreen, improved voice recognition with “Hey Toyota” commands, dual Bluetooth phone capability, and integrated streaming options like Spotify and SiriusXM.
With seating for seven, including a third-row that can accommodate two passengers, the Highlander allows for more than 45 cubic feet of rear storage when the third row is folded flat. Additional features available include wireless charging trays, multiple USB-C ports in all three rows, rear HVAC controls, optional rear window shades, and a hands-free power liftgate.
This new version will come equipped with a NACS port, allowing access to Tesla Superchargers. Under ideal conditions, the battery can go from 10% to 80% charge in roughly 30 minutes using DC fast charging. Battery preconditioning, which ensures optimal charging, is standard and can be activated automatically or through a Drive Connect subscription costing about $15 a month. The Highlander will also support slow charging with Level 1 or 2 chargers and will include a dual-voltage 120V/240V charging cable.
For the first time, Toyota’s Highlander will feature vehicle-to-load capabilities, enabling it to act as a mobile power bank. The company has stated it will provide more information about this feature in future announcements.
In terms of dimensions, the Highlander measures 198.8 inches in length, 78.3 inches in width, and 67.3 inches in height, with a wheelbase of 120.1 inches. This makes it comparable in size to current gas-powered models like the Grand Highlander and other electric SUVs such as the Rivian R1S, Kia EV9, and Hyundai Ioniq 9.
Toyota plans to announce pricing for the new Highlander later this year as it ramps up production. The vehicle comes at a time when Toyota is making strides in the EV segment, with the updated bZ (previously bZ4x) already achieving notable sales in the U.S. Additionally, both the C-HR hatchback and bZ Woodland are set to launch in the U.S. later this year.
With these upcoming models, Toyota has a significant opportunity to strengthen its presence in the electric vehicle market. We’ll see if the automaker capitalizes on this momentum.
Follow topics and authors from this story to see more like this in your personalized homepage feed and to receive email updates.
Andrew J. Hawkins
Close
Andrew J. Hawkins
Posts from this author will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed.
Follow
Follow
See All by Andrew J. Hawkins
Cars
Close
Cars
Posts from this topic will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed.
Follow
Follow
See All Cars
Electric Cars
Close
Electric Cars
Posts from this topic will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed.
Follow
Follow
See All Electric Cars
News
Close
News
Posts from this topic will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed.
Follow
Follow
See All News
Toyota
Close
Toyota
Posts from this topic will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed.
Follow
Follow
See All Toyota
Transportation
Close
Transportation
Posts from this topic will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed.
Follow
Follow
See All Transportation
